Custom distribution installations

So you want to run a distribution that isn't on our list of supported distributions? Thats great! Just create a tar.gz, tar.bz2, or iso image containing an installed system and we will extract it into the root directory of your new VPS.

Need help building your archive?

First, install the distribution of your choice onto a nearby computer (physical or otherwise). Assuming you're logged into the OS you wish to copy... execute:

tar -cvpzf /mydistro.tar.gz --exclude=/mydistro.tar.gz --exclude=/sys --exclude=/dev --exclude=/proc /

How do I send the archive to you?

You can send it over the internet via SCP, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, or rsync. You can send the file to us, or provide us a download location. It is also possible to mail us a CD or DVD, although there will be a handling fee of $65.

Can I use the archives at Jailtime.org?

Yes, you can! Do note that the images at jailtime are 32-bit, while we highly recommend 64-bit images. Our own filesystem images are just as capable as those at jailtime.org and happen to be 64-bit.

Does it matter if I use a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system?

GrokThis.net VPS accounts support both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. However, our kernels are 64-bit. Although this should not affect the functionality of your applications, we still recommend customers choose 64-bit operating systems whenever possible.

How do we run a 32-bit OS on a 64-bit kernel?

By default, a 32-bit userspace mostly works on a 64-bit kernel; however, the architecture reported by the kernel is then, normally, reported as x86_64. A wrapper program called "linux32" overrides the necessary function(s) within GLIBC in order to accommodiate any program, such as gcc, that checks this variable. We have specially crafted a linux initrd image that it executes init through the "linux32" wrapper. This ensures fully compatability with 32-bit operating systems. It does, however, require that kernel modules be 64-bit; please keep this in mind if developing or compiling your own kernel modules.

Have a question? Contact a sales representative.